The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Legislative Breakfast series for chamber members, their employees, spouses and guests again this year.

The breakfasts are scheduled for 7:30 a.m. the third Saturday of each month during the Legislative session: Jan. 19, Feb. 16 and March 16, at the Best Western Fairfield Inn.

The chamber has sponsored the Legislative Breakfast series for almost 50 years as a forum for discussion and an exchange of information on pertinent issues before the legislators.

Local legislators Rep. Curt Hanson, Rep. Dave Heaton, Sen. Mark Chelgren and Sen. Rich Taylor have all been invited and will speak on issues and bills coming before the 2013 General Assembly session.

Following their remarks, the floor will be opened for a question-and-answer period.

For reservations, information or to become a sponsor of the event, contact chamber administrator Lori Knox at 472-2111 or lknox@fairfieldiowa.com.

Hanson sets public meetings for 2013 session

State Rep. Curt Hanson will hold public meetings on the fourth Saturday of each month during the legislative session in Keosauqua and Bloomfield.

The Keosauqua meetings will be held at 9 a.m. at Village Cup and Cakes.

The Bloomfield meetings will be at noon at the Rancho Centinela.

The meeting are set for Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 23 and April 27. The meeting will be informal, and the public is invited to chat with Hanson over a cup of coffee or a soda.

“With property taxes, education, and mental health services on the agenda for 2013, I’m looking to get feedback from my constituents on these issues and other issues important to them,” said Hanson.

Hanson also plans to attend the Ottumwa League of Voters Legislative Forums held the first Saturday of the month and the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast held the third Saturday of each month during the legislative session.

Chautauqua Park now re-opened to foot traffic

Fairfield park superintendent Pam Craff announced today Chautauqua Park is once again open to foot traffic.

Craff closed the park three weeks ago while Brown’s Tree Services of Fairfield removed 50 trees infected with oak wilt were removed from the grounds.

Craff advised Frisbee golfers and walkers to watch their step in the coming weeks. She said the crews filled holes where they’d dug out tree stumps, but said as dirt settles their could be areas of uneven ground.

If the city hadn’t taken action, Craff said the diseased trees would have eventually killed all red and white oak trees in the area, which comprise 90 percent of Chautauqua’s trees.

The park department is working on plans to plant new trees next summer to replace those lost.